AP Exams
Any Advanced Placement (AP) courses will be calculated as weighted in a student’s GPA. Sangamon Valley CUSD #9 will also offer the opportunity to have AP courses counted for college credit upon passage of the AP exam.
Sangamon Valley CUSD #9 will reimburse 50% of the cost of the AP exam, which is currently $98.00, if the student scores a 3 or higher on the exam. The form must be turned in with proof of the student’s AP score to receive reimbursement.
Access to District Public Records
Full access to the District's public records is available to any person as provided in the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), this policy, and implementing procedures. The Superintendent or designee shall: (1) provide the Board with sufficient information and data to permit the Board to monitor the District's compliance with FOIA and this policy, and (2) report any FOIA requests during the Board's regular meetings along with the status of the District's response.
Freedom of Information Officer
The Superintendent shall serve as the District's Freedom of Information Officer and assumes all the duties and powers of that office as provided in FOIA and this policy. The Superintendent may delegate these duties and powers to one or more designees, but the delegation shall not relieve the Superintendent of the responsibility for the action that was delegated.
Definition
The District's public records are defined as records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, microfilms, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, electronic communications, recorded information and all other documentary material pertaining to the transaction of public business, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been prepared by or for, or having been or being used by, received by, in the possession of, or under the control of the School District.
Requesting Records
A request for inspection and/or copies of public records must be made in writing and may be submitted by personal delivery, mail, telefax, or email directed to the District's Freedom of Information Officer. Individuals making a request are not required to state a reason for the request other than to identify when the request is for a commercial purpose or when requesting a fee waiver. The Superintendent or designee shall instruct District employees to immediately forward any request for inspection and copying of a public record to the District's Freedom of Information Officer or designee.
Responding to Requests
The Freedom of Information Officer shall approve all requests for public records unless:
The requested material does not exist;
The requested material is exempt from inspection and copying by the Freedom of Information Act; or
Complying with the request would be unduly burdensome.
Within five business days after receipt of a request for access to a public record, the Freedom of Information Officer shall comply with or deny the request, unless the time for response is extended as specified in Section 3 of FOIA. The Freedom of Information Officer may extend the time for a response for up to five business days from the original due date. If an extension is needed, the Freedom of Information Officer shall: (1) notify the person making the request of the reason for the extension, and (2) either inform the person of the date on which a response will be made, or agree with the person in writing on a compliance period.
The time periods are extended for responding to requests for records made for a commercial purpose, requests by a recurrent requester, or voluminous requests, as those terms are defined in Section 2 of FOIA. The time periods for responding to those requests are governed by Sections 3.1, 3.2, and 3.6 of FOIA.
When responding to a request for a record containing both exempt and non-exempt material, the Freedom of Information Officer shall redact exempt material from the record before complying with the request.
Fees
Persons making a request for copies of public records must pay any and all applicable fees. The Freedom of Information Officer shall establish a fee schedule that complies with FOIA and this policy and is subject to the Board's review. The fee schedule shall include copying fees and all other fees to the maximum extent they are permitted by FOIA, including without limitation, search and review fees for responding to a request for a commercial purpose and fees, costs, and personnel hours in connection with responding to a voluminous request.
Copying fees, except when fixed by statute, shall be reasonably calculated to reimburse the District's actual cost for reproducing and certifying public records and for the use, by any person, of its equipment to copy records. In no case shall the copying fees exceed the maximum fees permitted by FOIA. If the District's actual copying costs are equal to or greater than the maximum fees permitted by FOIA, the Freedom of Information Officer is authorized to use FOIA's maximum fees as the District's fees. No copying fees shall be charged for: (1) the first 50 pages of black and white, letter or legal sized copies, or (2) electronic copies other than the actual cost of the recording medium, except if the response is to a voluminous request, as defined in FOIA.
A fee reduction is available if the request qualifies under Section 6 of FOIA. The Freedom of Information Officer shall set the amount of the reduction taking into consideration the amount of material requested and the cost of copying it.
Provision of Copies and Access to Records
A public record that is the subject of an approved access request will be available for inspection or copying at the District's administrative office during regular business hours, unless other arrangements are made by the Freedom of Information Officer.
Many public records are immediately available from the District's website including, but not limited to, the process for requesting a public record. The Freedom of Information Officer shall direct a requester to the District's website if a requested record is available there. If the requester is unable to reasonably access the record online, he or she may resubmit the request for the record, stating his or her inability to reasonably access the record online, and the District shall make the requested record available for inspection and copying as otherwise provided in this policy.
Preserving Public Records
Public records, including email messages, shall be preserved and cataloged if: (1) they are evidence of the District's organization, function, policies, procedures, or activities, (2) they contain informational data appropriate for preservation, (3) their retention is required by State or federal law, or (4) they are subject to a retention request by the Board Attorney (e.g., a litigation hold), District auditor, or other individual authorized by the Board of Education or State or federal law to make such a request. Unless its retention is required as described in items numbered 3 or 4 above, a public record, as defined by the Illinois Local Records Act, may be destroyed when authorized by the Local Records Commission.
Full Policy & Legal References
From Board Policy 2:250 — Adopted 2/1/2023
Enrollment Policies for Homeless Children
Each child of a homeless individual and each homeless youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as provided to other children and youths, including a public pre-school education. A homeless child is defined as provided in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the Education for Homeless Children Act. The Superintendent or designee shall act as or appoint a Liaison for Homeless Children to coordinate this policy's implementation.
A homeless child may attend the District school that the child attended when permanently housed or in which the child was last enrolled. A homeless child living in any District school's attendance area may attend that school.
The Superintendent or designee shall review and revise rules or procedures that may act as barriers to the enrollment of homeless children and youths. In reviewing and revising such procedures, consideration shall be given to issues concerning transportation, immunization, residency, birth certificates, school records and other documentation, and guardianship. Transportation shall be provided in accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and State law. The Superintendent or designee shall give special attention to ensuring the enrollment and attendance of homeless children and youths who are not currently attending school. If a child is denied enrollment or transportation under this policy, the Liaison for Homeless Children shall immediately refer the child or his or her parent/guardian to the ombudsperson appointed by the Regional Superintendent and provide the child or his or her parent/guardian with a written explanation for the denial. Whenever a child and his or her parent/guardian who initially share the housing of another person due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar hardship continue to share the housing, the Liaison for Homeless Children may, after the passage of 18 months and annually thereafter, conduct a review as to whether such hardship continues to exist in accordance with State law.
Full Policy and Legal References
Taken from Board Policy 6:140 — Adopted 10/9/2024
Bullying Policy
Bullying, intimidation, and harassment diminish a student's ability to learn and a school's ability to educate. Preventing students from engaging in these disruptive behaviors and providing all students equal access to a safe, non-hostile learning environment are important District goals.
Bullying on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, physical appearance, socioeconomic status, academic status, pregnancy, parenting status, homelessness, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender-related identity or expression, unfavorable discharge from military service, order of protection status, association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics, or any other distinguishing characteristic is prohibited in each of the following situations:
During any school-sponsored education program or activity.
While in school, on school property, on school buses or other school vehicles, at designated school bus stops waiting for the school bus, or at school-sponsored or school-sanctioned events or activities.
Through the transmission of information from a school computer, a school computer network, or other similar electronic school equipment.
Through the transmission of information from a computer that is accessed at a nonschool-related location, activity, function, or program or from the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by the School District or school if the bullying causes a substantial disruption to the educational process or orderly operation of a school. This paragraph (item #4) applies only when a school administrator or teacher receives a report that bullying through this means has occurred; it does not require staff members to monitor any nonschool-related activity, function, or program.
Definitions
Bullying includes cyberbullying and means any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or electronically, directed toward a student or students that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:
Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student's or students' person or property;
Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student's or students' physical or mental health;
Substantially interfering with the student's or students' academic performance; or
Substantially interfering with the student's or students' ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.
Bullying may take various forms, including without limitation one or more of the following: harassment, threats, intimidation, stalking, physical violence, sexual harassment, sexual violence, theft, public humiliation, destruction of property, or retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying. This list is meant to be illustrative and non-exhaustive.
Cyberbullying means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, including without limitation any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic system, photo-electronic system, or photo-optical system, including without limitation electronic mail, Internet communications, instant messages, or facsimile communications. Cyberbullying includes the creation of a webpage or weblog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or the knowing impersonation of another person as the author of posted content or messages if the creation or impersonation creates any of the effects enumerated in the definition of bullying. Cyberbullying also includes the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons if the distribution or posting creates any of the effects enumerated in the definition of bullying.
Restorative measures means a continuum of school-based alternatives to exclusionary discipline, such as suspensions and expulsions, that: (i) are adapted to the particular needs of the school and community, (ii) contribute to maintaining school safety, (iii) protect the integrity of a positive and productive learning climate, (iv) teach students the personal and interpersonal skills they will need to be successful in school and society, (v) serve to build and restore relationships among students, families, schools, and communities, (vi) reduce the likelihood of future disruption by balancing accountability with an understanding of students’ behavioral health needs in order to keep students in school, and (vii) increase student accountability if the incident of bullying is based on religion, race, ethnicity, or any other category that is identified in the Ill. Human Rights Act.
School personnel means persons employed by, on contract with, or who volunteer in a school district, including without limitation school and school district administrators, teachers, school social workers, school counselors, school psychologists, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, school resource officers, and security guards.
Bullying Prevention and Response Plan
The Superintendent or designee shall develop and maintain a bullying prevention and response plan that advances the District's goal of providing all students with a safe learning environment free of bullying and harassment. This plan must be consistent with the requirements listed below.
The District uses the definition of bullying as provided in this policy.
Bullying is contrary to State law and the policy of this District. However, nothing in the District's bullying prevention and response plan is intended to infringe upon any right to exercise free expression or the free exercise of religion or religiously based views protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or under Section 3 of Article I of the Illinois Constitution.
Students are encouraged to immediately report bullying. A report may be made orally or in writing to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, Building Principal, Assistant Building Principal, Dean of Students, a Complaint Manager, or any staff member with whom the student is comfortable speaking. Anyone, including staff members and parents/guardians, who has information about actual or threatened bullying is encouraged to report it to the District named officials or any staff member. The District named officials and all staff members are available for help with a bully or to make a report about bullying. Anonymous reports are also accepted; however, this shall not be construed to permit formal disciplinary action solely on the basis of an anonymous report.
Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, the parents/guardians of all students involved in an alleged incident of bullying will be notified of such, along with threats, suggestions, or instances of self-harm determined to be the result of bullying, within 24 hours after the school's administration is made aware of the student's involvement in the incident. As appropriate, the school's administration shall also discuss the availability of social work services, counseling, school psychological services, other interventions, and restorative measures. The school shall make diligent efforts to notify a parent or legal guardian, utilizing all contact information the school has available or that can be reasonably obtained within the 24-hour period.
The Superintendent or designee shall promptly investigate and address reports of bullying, by, among other things:
Making all reasonable efforts to complete the investigation within 10 school days after the date the report of a bullying incident was received and taking into consideration additional relevant information received during the course of the investigation about the reported bullying incident.
Involving appropriate school support personnel and other staff persons with knowledge, experience, and training on bullying prevention, as deemed appropriate, in the investigation process.
Notifying the Building Principal or school administrator or designee of the reported incident of bullying as soon as possible after the report is received.
Consistent with federal and State laws and rules governing student privacy rights, providing parents/guardians of the students who are parties to the investigation information about the investigation and an opportunity to meet with the Building Principal or school administrator or his or her designee to discuss the investigation, the findings of the investigation, and the actions taken to address the reported incident of bullying.
The Superintendent or designee shall investigate whether a reported incident of bullying is within the permissible scope of the District's jurisdiction and shall require that the District provide the victim with information regarding services that are available within the District and community, such as counseling, support services, and other programs.
The Superintendent or designee shall use interventions to address bullying, that may include, but are not limited to, school social work services, restorative measures, social-emotional skill building, counseling, school psychological services, and community-based services.
A reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying is prohibited. Any person’s act of reprisal or retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge with regard to employees, or suspension and/or expulsion with regard to students.
A student will not be punished for reporting bullying or supplying information, even if the District’s investigation concludes that no bullying occurred. However, a person who is found to have falsely accused another of bullying, as a means of retaliation, as a means of bullying, or provided false information will be treated as either: (a) bullying, (b) student discipline up to and including suspension and/or expulsion, and/or (c) both (a) and (b) for purposes of determining any consequences or other appropriate remedial actions.
The District’s bullying prevention and response plan is based on the engagement of a range of school stakeholders, including students and parents/guardians.
The Superintendent or designee shall post this policy on the District’s publicly accessible website, if any, and include it in the student handbook, and, where applicable, post it where other policies, rules, and standards of conduct are currently posted. The policy must be distributed annually to parents/guardians, students, and school personnel (including new employees when hired), and must also be provided periodically throughout the school year to students and faculty.
Pursuant to State law and Board policy 2:240, Board Policy Development, the Board monitors this policy every two years by conducting a review and re-evaluation of this policy to make any necessary and appropriate revisions. The Superintendent or designee shall assist the Board with its re-evaluation and assessment of this policy’s outcomes and effectiveness. Updates to this policy will reflect any necessary and appropriate revisions. This process shall include, without limitation:
The frequency of victimization;
Student, staff, and family observations of safety at a school;
Identification of areas of a school where bullying occurs;
The types of bullying utilized; and
Bystander intervention or participation.
The evaluation process may use relevant data and information that the District already collects for other purposes. Acceptable documentation to satisfy the re-evaluated policy submission include one of the following:
1) An updated version of the policy with the amendment/modification date included in the reference portion of the policy;
2) If no revisions are deemed necessary, a copy of board minutes indicating that the policy was re-evaluated and no changes were deemed to be necessary; or
3) A signed statement from the Board President indicating that the Board re-evaluated the policy and no changes to it were necessary.
The Superintendent or designee must post the information developed as a result of the policy re-evaluation on the District’s website, or if a website is not available, the information must be provided to school administrators, Board members, school personnel, parents/guardians, and students. Reviews and re-evaluations in years they are due must be submitted to ISBE by September 30.
The Superintendent or designee shall fully implement the Board policies, including without limitation, the following:
2:260, Uniform Grievance Procedure. A student may use this policy to complain about bullying.
2:265, Title IX Grievance Procedure. Any person may use this policy to complain about sex discrimination in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
2:270, Discrimination and Harassment on the Basis of Race, Color, and National Origin Prohibited. Any person may use this policy to complain about discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, or national origin in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and/or the Illinois Human Rights Act.
6:60, Curriculum Content. Bullying prevention and character instruction is provided in all grades in accordance with State law.
6:65, Student Social and Emotional Development. Student social and emotional development is incorporated into the District's educational program as required by State law.
6:235, Access to Electronic Networks. This policy states that the use of the District's electronic networks is limited to: (1) support of education and/or research, or (2) a legitimate business use.
7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited. This policy prohibits any person from harassing, intimidating, or bullying a student based on an identified actual or perceived characteristic (the list of characteristics in 7:20 is the same as the list in this policy).
7:185, Teen Dating Violence Prohibited. This policy prohibits teen dating violence on school property, at school sponsored activities, and in vehicles used for school-provided transportation.
7:190, Student Behavior. This policy prohibits, and provides consequences for, hazing, bullying, or other aggressive behaviors, or urging other students to engage in such conduct.
7:310, Restrictions on Publications; Elementary Schools, and 7:315, Restrictions on Publications; High Schools. These policies prohibit students from and provide consequences for: (1) accessing and/or distributing at school any written, printed, or electronic material, including material from the Internet, that will cause substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, and (2) creating and/or distributing written, printed, or electronic material, including photographic material and blogs, that causes substantial disruption to school operations or interferes with the rights of other students or staff members.
Nondiscrimination Coordinator
Dr. Jonathan Field
398 N. Illinois St, Niantic, IL 62551
jfield@sangamonvalley.org
(217) 668-2338
Complaint Managers
Kristina Sommer, Intermediate School
ksommer@sangamonvalley.org
(217) 486-7521
Hilda Rice, Sangamon Valley Primary
hrice@sangamonvalley.org
(217) 963-2621
From Board Policy 7:180, Adopted 1/15/2025
Administrator Compensation Report
Administrator: Jonathan Field
Base Pay: $130,000
TRS Contribution: $12,857.13
Health Insurance: $10,512
Life Insurance: $84
Administrator: Kyline Burge
Base Pay: $85,000
TRS Contribution: $8,406.59
Health Insurance: $10,512
Life Insurance: $24
Administrator: Jonathan Downing
Base Pay: $97,166
TRS Contribution: $9,609.81
Health Insurance: $10,512
Life Insurance: $24
Administrator: Kristina Sommer
Base Pay: $88,807
TRS Contribution: $8,783.10
Health Insurance: $10,512
Life Insurance: $24
Administrator: Hilda Rice
Base Pay: $79,541
TRS Contribution: $7,866.68
Health Insurance: $10,512
Life Insurance: $24
Prevailing Wage Resolution
WHEREAS, The Board of Education of Sangamon Valley Community Unit District #9, Macon County Illinois, has the responsibility of governing the schools within said School District bounds; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 48, Section 39 S-12 of the Illinois Revised Statuses governs and regulates wages of laborers, mechanics, and other workmen employed in any public works of public bodies, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to said act heretofore specified, the Board of Education has investigated and ascertained the prevailing rate of wages as defined in said act for laborers, mechanics and other workmen, and
NOW THEREFORE, be it and it is resolved as follows:
That to the extent as required by that act heretofore stated, the general prevailing rate of wages in Macon County, Illinois, for laborers, mechanics and other workmen engaged in the construction of public works coming under the jurisdiction of the Sangamon Valley School District is hereby ascertained to be the same as the prevailing rate of wages for construction work in Macon County, Illinois, as heretofore determined, which determination is attached hereto and made a part of this Resolution.
Nothing herein contained shall be construed to apply said general prevailing rate of wages as herein ascertained to any work or employment except public works construction of the Sangamon Valley Community Unit District #9 to the extent required by the aforesaid Act.
That the Superintendent is hereby authorized and directed to publicly post or keep available for inspection by an interested party at 398 North Illinois Street, Niantic, Illinois, this determination of such prevailing rate of wages.
That the Superintendent is hereby authorized and directed to mail a copy of this determination to any employer and to any person or association who has filed requesting copies of any determination stating the particular rates and the particular class of workmen whose wages will be affected by said rates.
That the Secretary of the Board of Education is hereby authorized and directed to file a certified copy of this Resolution with both the Secretary of State and Department of Labor, State of Illinois.
That the Superintendent is hereby authorized and directed to publish in a newspaper of general circulation within this School District, a Notice of Determination, and such publication shall constitute notice that the determination is effective and is determination by this School District.
That if any part of Section 39 S-1 through 39 S-12 of Chapter 48 of the Illinois Revised Statues are declared unconstitutional or inapplicable to this School District, then said parts of this Resolution may be affected hereby shall also be deemed to be inapplicable and without effect.
Adopted by Sangamon Valley CUSD #9 Board of Education on June 21, 2023
Hazardous Transportation Resolution
WHEREAS, there exists within Sangamon Valley Community Unit SD #9 a residential area known as Kelsan Heights Subdivision, which is located less than one and one-half (1 1/2) miles from the attendance centers of Sangamon Valley Community Unit SD #9; Camp Wilson, which is located less than one and one-half (1 1/2) miles from the attendance center of Sangamon Valley Community Unit SD #9; and the residential area North of the railroad tracks in the Village of Illiopolis, which is located less than one and one-half (1 1/2) miles from the attendance center of Sangamon Valley Community Unit SD #9.
WHEREAS, Kelsan Heights Subdivision, Camp Wilson, and the residential area North of the railroad tracks in Illiopolis are separated from the attendance centers of Sangamon Valley Community Unit SD #9, by U.S. Highway 36 and/or by railroad tracks running east and west through the village; and WHEREAS, a substantial number of students, to include young children, reside in Kelsan Heights Subdivision, Camp Wilson and North of the railroad tracks in Illiopolis and must cross U.S. Highway 36; and, the railroad tracks;
WHEREAS, U.S. Highway 36 carries a great number of vehicles which travel past Kelsan Heights Subdivision and Camp Wilson at a high speed; and, the danger of children crossing the railroad tracks in Illiopolis without proper sidewalks to use;
WHEREAS, traffic is increased at times when students cross U.S. Highway 36 due to the proximity of large private businesses which employ a substantial number of persons who use U.S. Highway to travel to and from work; and,
WHEREAS, during the winter season plowed snow accumulates on the shoulders of U.S. Highway 36, obscuring the view of traffic and also creating a hazard in that drivers may not see children approaching the highway; and,
WHEREAS, there is no public transportation available to students residing in Kelsan Heights Subdivision; Camp Wilson; and the residential area North of the railroad tracks in Illiopolis;
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the Board of Education of Sangamon Valley Community Unit SD #9 as follows:
Section 1. The recitals set forth above are made a part of this paragraph as if set for verbatim.
Section 2. The presence of high speed and heavy traffic along U.S. Highway 36 at times when students must cross the highway to attend school constitutes a serious hazard to the safety of pupils within the meaning of Section 29-3 of the Illinois School Code.
Section 3. It is hereby determined that transportation services should be provided to students residing in the Kelsan Heighs Subdivision and Camp Wilson so as to reduce the hazard to children in crossing U.S. Highway 36 to attend school.
Section 4. It is hereby determined that transportation services should be provided to students residing North of the railroad tracks in the village of Illiopolis so as to reduce the hazard to children in crossing the railroad tracks to attend school.
Section 5. The Superintendent, or his designee, is authorized and directd to provide and maintain transportation for students within the Kelsan Heights Subdivision, Camp Wilson, and North of the railroad tracks in the Village of Illiopolis; to seek reimbursement therefore in accordance with Section 29-3 of the Illinois School Code.
Adopted by Sangamon Valley CUSD #9 Board of Education on June 21, 2023
Residency Requirements
In accordance with the Illinois School Code, permanent records must indicate that the parent/legal guardian resides within the boundaries of this school district.
Present a certified birth certificate for the student.
Present proof of residency within the District by providing the required number of documents from each of the following categories within thirty (30) days of the student’s enrollment date:
Category 1
(One document required)
Most recent property tax bill and proof of payment, e.g., canceled check or Form 1098 (homeowners)
Mortgage papers (homeowners)
Signed and dated lease and proof of last month’s payment, e.g., canceled check or receipts (renters)
Letter from manager and proof of last month’s payment, e.g., canceled check or receipts (mobile home resident)
Letter of residence from landlord in lieu of lease (See Building Principal)
Category 2
(Two documents showing proper address are required)
Driver’s license
Vehicle registration
Voter registration
Most recent cable television and/or credit card bill
Current public aid card
Current homeowner/renters insurance policy and premium payment receipt
Most recent gas, electric, and/or water bill
Military Personnel Enrolling a Student for the First Time in the District.
(Must provide one of the following within 60 days after the date of student’s initial enrollment)
Postmarked mail addressed to military personnel
Lease agreement for occupancy
Proof of ownership of residence
School Wellness Policy
Student wellness, including good nutrition and physical activity, shall be promoted in the District's educational program, school-based activities, and meal programs. This policy shall be interpreted consistently with Section 204 of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 and the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA).
The Superintendent will ensure:
Each school building complies with this policy;
The policy is available to the community on an annual basis through copies of or online access to the Board Policy Manual; and
The community is informed about the progress of this policy's implementation.
Goals for Nutrition Education and Nutrition Promotion
The goals for addressing nutrition education and nutrition promotion include the following:
Schools will support and promote sound nutrition for students.
Schools will foster the positive relationship between sound nutrition, physical activity, and the capacity of students to develop and learn.
Nutrition education will be part of the District's comprehensive health education curriculum. See Board policy 6:60, Curriculum Content.
Goals for Physical Activity
The goals for addressing physical activity include the following:
Schools will support and promote an active lifestyle for students.
Physical education will be taught in all grades and shall include a developmentally planned and sequential curriculum that fosters the development of movement skills, enhances health-related fitness, increases students' knowledge, offers direct opportunities to learn how to work cooperatively in a group setting, and encourages healthy habits and attitudes for a healthy lifestyle. See policies 6:60, Curriculum Content and 7:260, Exemption from Physical Education.
During the school day, all students will be required to engage in a daily physical education course, unless otherwise exempted. See policies 6:60, Curriculum Content and 7:260, Exemption from Physical Education.
The curriculum will be consistent with and incorporate relevant Illinois Learning Standards for Physical Development and Health as established by the Ill. State Board of Education (ISBE).
Goals for Other School-Based Activities
The goals for school-based activities include the following:
Schools will support and promote a healthy eating environment for students.
Schools will promote and participate in wellness activities.
Schools will offer other school-based activities to support student health and wellness, including coordinated events and clubs.
Nutrition Guidelines for Foods Available During the School Day; Marketing Prohibited
Students will be offered and schools will promote nutritious food and beverage choices during the school day that are consistent with Board policy 4:120, Food Services (requiring compliance with the nutrition standards specified in the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's (USDA) Smart Snacks rules).
In addition, in order to promote student health and reduce childhood obesity, the Superintendent or designee shall:
Restrict the sale of competitive foods, as defined by the USDA, in the food service areas during meal periods;
Comply with all ISBE rules; and
Prohibit marketing during the school day of foods and beverages that do not meet the standards listed in Board policy 4:120, Food Services, i.e., in-school marketing of food and beverage items must meet competitive foods standards.
Competitive foods standards do not apply to foods and beverages available, but not sold in school during the school day; e.g., brown bag lunches, foods for classroom parties, school celebrations, and reward incentives.
Exempted Fundraising Day (EFD) Requests
All food and beverages sold to students on the school campuses of participating schools during the school day must comply with the "general nutrition standards for competitive foods" specified in federal law.
ISBE rules prohibit EFDs for grades 8 and below in participating schools.
The Superintendent or designee in a participating school may grant an EFD for grades 9 through 12 in participating schools. To request an EFD and learn more about the District's related procedure(s), contact the Superintendent or designee. The District's procedures are subject to change. The number of EFDs for grades 9 through 12 in participating schools is set by ISBE rule.
Guidelines for Reimbursable School Meals
Reimbursable school meals served shall meet, at a minimum, the nutrition requirements and regulations for the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program.
Unused Food Sharing Plan
In collaboration with the District’s local health department, the Superintendent or designee will:
Develop and support a food sharing plan (Plan) for unused food that is focused on needy students.
Implement the Plan throughout the District.
Ensure the Plan complies with the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act, as well as accompanying guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the Food Donation Program.
Ensure that any leftover food items are properly donated to combat potential food insecurity in the District’s community. Properly means in accordance with all federal regulations and State and local health and sanitation codes.
Monitoring
At least every three years, the Superintendent shall provide implementation data and/or reports to the Board concerning this policy's implementation sufficient to allow the Board to monitor and adjust the policy (a triennial report). This triennial report must include without limitation each of the following:
An assessment of the District's implementation of the policy
The extent to which schools in the District are in compliance with the policy
The extent to which the policy compares to model local school wellness policies
A description of the progress made in attaining the goals of the policy
How the District will make the results of the assessment available to the public
Where the District will retain records of the assessment
The Board will monitor and adjust the policy pursuant to policy 2:240, Board Policy Development.
Community Involvement
The Board and Superintendent will actively invite suggestions and comments concerning the development, implementation, periodic reviews, and updates of the school wellness policy from parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, teachers of physical education, school health professionals, the Board of Education, school administrators, and the community. Community involvement methods shall align their suggestions and comments to policy 2:140, Communications To and From the Board.
Recordkeeping
The Superintendent shall retain records to document compliance with this policy, the District's records retention protocols, and the Local Records Act.
Adopted: 12/13/2023
For full policy and legal references, see Board Policy 6:50